Ancient stone tortoise discovered in Hue (June 02, 2005)

An ancient stone tortoise, which is thought to date from the Nguyen Dynasty, has been found recently in the central Thua Thien – Hue province – the ancient imperial capital in 18th and 19th centuries.

The while stone sculpture, which weighs one tonne, and is 1.6m in length, was discovered by local farmers in the province’s Phu Loc district. Besides many sophisticated patterns that decorate the artefact, there is a Chinese character on its head, which means “King” and deep square cavity 60 cm up the tortoise’s back.

According to local residents, they also found broken porcelain, tiles and a series of foundations- the vestiges of ancient construction.

Archaeologists from the province’s museum have started research to date the ancient stone tortoise and other uncovered items. “There might have been a royal edifice in this area in the past,” said one archaeologist. (VNS)